Local News

Muskies down RedHawks 77-51

In the 100th meeting between Xavier and Miami (Ohio), the Musketeers took down the Redhawks, 77-51. With the win, the Musketeers improve to 4-0. It is the fourth time in six seasons that XU has opened up the season with four wins in a row.

Four Musketeers scored in double digits to propel the team to victory. Junior Dee Davis and sophomore Semaj Christon led the team in scoring, with 15 and 13 respectively. Davis also added five assists and three rebounds. Christon added eight assists, which is a season high. Christon leads the team with 16.3 ppg this season.

Sophomore forward James Farr notched his first double-double of his career, scoring 11 and grabbing 11 rebounds. Junior Matt Stainbrook had 10 points to go along with five rebounds.

Xavier's first six points came off of back-to-back three-pointers from Justin Martin and Christon. Nine of the team's first 11 points came from behind the arc as freshman guard Myles Davis added another trey. Later in the half, the Musketeers went on a 7-0 run in a span of 3:12 to take a 24-18 lead. XU continued to add to their point total, heading into the locker room with a 36-24 lead.

The Musketeers have not allowed their opponent to score more than 24 in the first half in all four of their games this season. In the first halves of games, Xavier has held its opponents to 22.3 ppg and a 15.7 three-point field goal percentage. Against Miami, the team also made five three-pointers, the most in a half this season.

In the second half, the Musketeers opened up on a 14-2 run. The run was aided by a Jalen Reynolds offensive rebound, who quickly dished it out to Justin Martin three-pointer. Xavier's defense was able to hold Miami to 27 points in the second half.

Miami's 51 points were the fewest by a Xavier opponent this season. XU's defense held Miami guard Reggie Johnson to five points. Johnson entered the game leading the Mid-American Conference in scoring.

Other contributors for the Musketeers were Martin and Reynolds. Martin scored nine points, shooting 2-of-2 from behind the arc and added five rebounds. Reynolds scored two points and had 11 rebounds, a career high.

Xavier's final stat line consisted of a 50.8 field goal percentage (30-of-59). The Musketeers also shot 42.9 percent (9-of-21) from behind the arc. XU held Miami to a 37.7 field goal percentage (20-of-53) and 21.7 percent (5-of-23) from three-point territory.

Xavier's post play was impressive as they beat Miami in the rebounding battle, 42 to 25. This led to 20 second-chance points for the Musketeers. It was also a team effort tonight, as XU had 20 assists on 30 baskets.

Xavier improves to 53-47 in the all-time series against Miami (Ohio). The Musketeers have also won 11 of their last 12 games against the teams from the Mid-American Conference.